A memorandum for starting joint venture mechatronics school in Thiruvananthapuram by the state government and the German auto major, Mercedes Benz, highlighted the session on knowledge and education at ‘Emerging Kerala’ on Friday.
Other foreign delegations followed, showing keen interest in participating in academic partnerships.
High education principal secretary K.M. Abraham said Kerala government had high hopes on the Canadian collaboration. Papers would be exchanged on October 1 and the follow-up meet would be held on October 15.
The 30-member Canadian delegation also showed interest in ocean-related disciplines, food technology and aquaculture, retail management, hospitality and skill-related sectors, including allied health sector.
German printing major’s Indian arm, Heidleberg India, has interest in starting printing technology-related courses and if possible an institute to impart their technology for electronic printers.
Mr Abraham said the government is in talks with the University of Georgia, Georgian Institute of Technology, University of Columbia and University of Montreal to start various courses.
A proposal to start an Indian Institute of Political Management (IIPM) to train professional politicians with exposure to the American political scene was another interesting one.
Four groups from within the state and in the Gulf mooted proposals to run educational complexes and institutions, including a Rs 800 crore project by the Al Abeer group.
“They have sought single window clearance at the meet,” said Mr Abraham.